Prior to joining Huntsman in January 2018, senior architect, Lloyd DesBrisay has maintained a prolific architectural career practicing at several renowned firms. Among his proudest accomplishments is his work on Louis I Kahn’s seminal Yale University Art Gallery’s museum building, chronicled in noteworthy publications including Architectural Review, Architectural Record, Architect, and the New York Times. Also speaking on the notable project, Lloyd has been a presenter at the Municipal Art Society in New York.

Just published is an article authored by Lloyd in Journal 58 - Louis I. Kahn The Permanence, for DOCOMOMO International - an international committee for the documentation and conservation of buildings, sites and neighborhoods of the modern movement. In the article titled, "What Decides "Heritage"? Lessons from a Comparison of Louis Kahn's Commercial and Institutional Projects", Lloyd delves into the realities of architecture and preservation today.

Article excerpt:"In the quest to save recent-past, mid-century modern buildings, it is important to recognize how symbolic and commercial considerations influence the likelihood that some buildings are preserved while other buildings are demolished. Simply put, why does one building survive and another not? This article compares two of Louis I. Kahn's projects - one a commercial building and the other institutional. The comparison examines how various dynamics facilitate or hinder the preservation of modern buildings. Further analysis considers steps that preservation-minded individuals and organizations might consider to retain and restore more modern buildings."

Q: There are many notable modern architects, so what, if anything draws you to Louis Kahn?A: My personal experience, over three years, of working on the renovation of one of his buildings (Yale University Art Gallery). It was an experience that, I feel, allowed me special insight into his work; materials, assemblies, palettes, textures, and scale. It forever shaped the way I see details and I see Kahn's influence everywhere now. Certainly, he was influenced by the time and other work, but what I once thought was a ubiquitous modern style I now see might have stemmed from some of Kahn's early work.

Q: How did this article arise?A: I was approached by DOCOMOMO because of my earlier case study on the Yale University Art Gallery renovation project (2007).

Q: In your expertise in architecture and the research you did for this article, is there anything that surprised you?A: I was struck by the sheer numbers of modern buildings that are worthy of restoration but are not always as lucky as the building I worked on. There are some great works out there that are lesser known and that tell a story of an important time in our country's history and chart the evolution of architectural design in the 20th century. I fear we are losing too many. Also, my research and writing just reinforced my desire to know more about Kahn's work and experience it all firsthand. I would love to visit all of his great works. In particular, I would like to experience personally the Indian Institute of Management in Ahmedabad, India and the National Parliament House of Bangladesh in Dhaka.

Q: How can architects and designers contribute to the conversation of architectural heritage and preservation?A: As my article suggests, we need to take a more active role in politics and the financial structures that will support modern buildings, often misunderstood, and spare them from the wrecking ball. I have not figured out just how to do this though. I need to research more and get more involved myself. My article is a call-to-action for all of us who treasure mid-century modern buildings!